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Blues in bid for Brazilian

By Gerrit van Leeuwen

Chelsea are reported to have submitted an offer for Ajax defender Maxwell.

Chelsea are reported to have submitted an offer for Ajax defender Maxwell.

The Eredivisie outfit have rejected the approach as they do not want to sell the Brazilian left back in the middle of their campaign while they are still fighting on both European and domestic fronts.

The 23-year-old has been an ever-present in the league for Ronald Koeman's side this term, and has recently broken into the full Brazil squad.

He is under contract at the Amsterdam ArenA until June 2006 and has previously been linked with a host of top Italian sides including Internazionale, Juventus and Milan.

Koeman has made it clear he does not want to part with the South American during the transfer window, but it is understood that the Amsterdammers might be willing to do business in the summer rather than see the stopper depart for nothing when his contract ends.

Chelsea are looking for added cover at left back having recently sold Celestine Babayaro to Newcastle.